Across Canada, real estate investors are shifting their focus west, and Alberta is where they’re landing. Calgary and Edmonton have officially become two of the strongest, most resilient, and most profitable real estate markets in the country. Whether you’re an out-of-province investor from Ontario or B.C., a local buyer building a long-term portfolio, or a commercial owner expanding across Alberta, the opportunity in 2025 has never been clearer.
Calgary and Edmonton both offer a unique combination of affordability, population growth, and economic strength that the rest of the country simply can’t match. Combined with a favourable regulatory environment, booming job numbers, and investor-friendly financing options, Alberta has become the most compelling real estate destination in Canada.
Alberta Dominates the 2025 Market Rankings
According to MoneySense and Zoocasa’s 2025 analysis:
- Calgary ranked the #2 best place to buy real estate in Canada
- Edmonton ranked #5
These rankings aren’t just headlines; they reflect a long-term trend driven by value, demand, and economic durability.
Affordability That Attracts Savvy Investors
When you compare Alberta to major Canadian markets, the price gap is staggering:
- Calgary benchmark home price: $577,000
- Edmonton average home price: $391,000
- Toronto average home price: $1.1M+
- Vancouver average home price: $1.25M+
For investors, this affordability translates into:
- Stronger cash flow
- Lower carrying costs
- Better cap rates
- Faster portfolio expansion
Simply put: Alberta offers investment math that actually works.
Economic Strength Backing the Real Estate Market
One of the biggest reasons Calgary and Edmonton are outperforming is their economic transition. While energy remains a major sector, Alberta has diversified aggressively, and it’s paying off.
1. Calgary: Canada’s Emerging Tech & Corporate Hub
Calgary now has the highest proportion of tech workers in the country, along with the highest concentration of head offices per capita. Industries fueling growth include:
- Technology and innovation
- Financial services
- Transportation and logistics
- Film and creative industries
- Engineering and professional services
These sectors have created thousands of high-income jobs, supporting both homeownership and the rental market.
2. Edmonton: One of Canada’s Most Undervalued Cities
Edmonton remains one of the most affordable major cities in Canada, yet boasts:
- A stable government and a healthcare employment base
- Major infrastructure projects
- Strong rental demand
- Rapid in-migration from other provinces
Edmonton is especially attractive for investors seeking multi-family or new-build rental projects due to its low land cost and strong rental absorption.
Migration: The Fuel Behind Alberta’s Rental Demand
Alberta is leading the nation in interprovincial migration as Canadians leave expensive provinces in search of:
- Lower housing costs
- Higher wages
- Job opportunities
- Lower taxes
This influx has created one of the strongest rental markets in the country. Vacancy rates are tightening, rents are climbing, and new-build developments are leasing faster than ever.
The Rise of New-Build Rental Communities in Calgary
Calgary’s growth has pushed major developers to launch new master-planned communities that are quickly becoming investor favourites. These neighbourhoods offer modern layouts, energy-efficient designs, and high rental appeal. Top emerging communities include:
- Belmont – Strong family demand, fast-growth corridor
- Rangeview – Calgary’s first garden-to-table community
- Cornerstone – One of Calgary’s fastest-growing NE hubs
- Livingston – A master-planned community with huge long-term value
- Seton – A complete urban district anchored by a major hospital
- Carrington – Strong rental absorption and new amenities
New builds attract young families, working professionals, and newcomers, all demographics that prefer long-term rentals.
Surrounding Towns Offer Incredible Long-Term Value
The surge in Calgary’s demand has spilled over into nearby communities, creating powerful investment opportunities in towns like:
- Airdrie – Explosive population growth
- Chestermere – Waterfront living with new retail and schools
- Cochrane – Fastest-growing community near the Rockies
- Okotoks – Family-focused town with rising rental demand
- Strathmore – Affordable entry point with strong appreciation potential
For investors priced out of larger cities, these towns offer lower land costs, new housing supply, and extremely high rental occupancy rates.
CMHC MLI Select: The Secret Weapon Behind Alberta’s Multi-Family Boom
Investors building or acquiring multi-family rentals in Alberta have a major advantage: CMHC’s MLI Select program.
This financing model rewards energy-efficient, accessible, and affordable rental projects with:
- Up to 95% loan-to-value financing
- Up to 50-year amortization
- Reduced DSCR requirements
- Low fixed interest rates
Alberta’s low construction costs and available land make it one of the best provinces in Canada to leverage MLI Select for:
- Fourplexes
- Row homes
- Small apartment buildings
- Purpose-built rentals
This is why so many Ontario and B.C. investors are shifting their development dollars into Alberta.
How Green Casa Helps Investors Succeed in This Market
As portfolios grow, management complexity increases. Investors choose Green Casa because we provide:
- Full-service residential and commercial property management
- Tenant placement and screening
- Preventative maintenance and inspections
- Rent optimization and reporting
- Multi-family and MLI Select management
- Expertise in both inner-city and suburban markets
From Calgary’s inner communities, such as Renfrew, Mount Pleasant, and Killarney, to surrounding towns like Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere, Green Casa helps investors maximize performance, reduce headaches, and scale their portfolios with confidence.
